ABOUT AMERICAN BAPTIST SEMINARY OF THE WEST

The American Baptist Seminary of the West is located in Berkeley, California directly across the bay from San Francisco. The world of the Pacific Rim is on its doorstep. The University of California and the Graduate Theological Union are crossing points of culture for students from East and West. In this laboratory of world Christianity, students and professors work at clarifying their beliefs and values.  

As a founding member of the Graduate Theological Union, ABSW students have access to the combined resources of eight seminaries including one of the largest theological libraries in the United States. ABSW faculty work with 150 professors from the other member schools to a large selection of courses. This cluster of GTU seminaries is the most ecumenically inclusive center for theological education in the United States.  

The faculty encourages spiritual formulation and vigorous intellectual exchange. Professors share concerns for people and issues and seek to model in their own lives their deep commitment to faith in Christ and the Church. Since the founding of ABSW in 1871, it has represented a vision of concern for persons across the street and around the world. While it is associated most directly with the American Baptist Churches, USA and the Progressive National Convention, Inc., it accepts students from all Christian faith traditions. From the strength of the Evangelical/Reformed tradition, students are trained in sharing the Gospel through the wholeness of their lives, integrating theology with life.